Rapid direct sequence spread spectrum code synchronization using a complex matched filter on an FPGA

We present an algorithm and real time implementation for rapid code phase synchronization to direct sequence spread spectrum signals. The synchronization algorithm utilizes a complex matched filter to achieve code synchronization without sequential search over code phases, significantly reducing synchronization time. The algorithm is implemented on a Xilinx Spartan FPGA and is highly tailored to exploit the integrated signal processing resources on that device. Real time performance was demonstrated using less than one fourth of the device resources. Synchronization can be achieved with a latency of one code cycle and zero synchronization overhead in the signal.